Guru Datta Venkatarama

Research and Development: Focused on advanced image processing technologies, particularly the gHDR (gamma High Dynamic Range) system. gHDR Technology: Developed a novel approach for automated, bulk image enhancement with minimal human intervention. This system uses a single-source frame process to achieve high-resolution and quality improvements, suitable for both visual and printing applications. Algorithm Innovation: Created new algorithms for analyzing and processing images, including techniques for decomposing images into key components such as luminance clusters, hue ranges, and lighting vectors. Generative AI Development: Designed and developed real-time strategies for image amelioration, integrating processed data into a unified output in common formats like PNG, JPEG, and TIFF. Future Directions: The technology is poised for commercial application, focusing on automated, unattended execution in an “image in – image out” paradigm.

Directed the “Two Worlds” initiative, managing a $1.5M+ budget to foster academic research collaborations with top Indian technical schools. Established key academic/research partnerships in India by enhancing global research engagement at Microsoft Research by active enrollment and enablement of faculty and student research. • Coordinated with Microsoft leadership and high-profile stakeholders, including Bill Gates, to host a large presence of Indian research faculty at the global research - university relations faculty summit at Redmond, WA. • IMPACT: High turnout, engagement and empowerment of the intelligentsia ( faculty and students of top Indian schools ) in technology research.

Enterprise Product Planning: Managed end-to-end aspects including SDLC processes, project lifecycle execution, and resource scheduling. Corporate Integration: Collaborated with newly acquired divisions (Great Plains and Navision) to integrate technologies and align strategic directions. Merger Execution: Led critical merger priorities, consensus-building, product planning, and scheduling of key acquisition milestones. Global Collaboration: Partnered with distributed development teams worldwide to design and implement a unified SDLC model, integrating CMM II and RUP into the Microsoft Cascade model across the enterprise.

Role: Led the end-to-end design and implementation of a remote backend messaging server farm. Technical Domain: Specialized in managing the technical aspects of the messaging infrastructure. Collaboration: Oversaw the "Technology Partnering Portfolio," working closely with Cingular Wireless product teams and the extended Product management team to ensure seamless integration, execution and launch of MSNMobile services.

Role: Directed the design, implementation, and rollout of "Blind Credit," a pioneering feature for real-time loan underwriting without impacting FICO scores—an industry first. Corporate and Technology Partnerships: Managed relationships with Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion to integrate credit data into the HomeAdvisor real estate platform. Technology Integration: Oversaw the merger of Tuttle Systems' technology into the project. Platform Development: Designed and implemented the HomeAdvisor.com Credit Underwriting platform.

Lead Technical Program Manager for Windows 2000 Subscription Licensing Role: Led the global initiative for end-user subscription licensing technology for Windows 2000. Technology Collaboration: Partnered with MS-Windows, MS-Office, and Microsoft Research teams. Project Execution: Managed planning, design, SDLC implementation, execution, and global rollout of the initiative. Matrix Management: Oversaw cross-team coordination and product development from initiation through execution to successful global release.

Technical Program Manager, Microsoft Press Interactive (MPI) Role: Led the design, execution, and simultaneous shipping ("Sim-ship") of the MS-Office Step-by-Step Interactive product suite. Team Management: Oversaw and mentored development, content, and localization teams, along with offsite content and code vendors. Collaboration: Worked closely with the MS-Office team. Product Delivery: Successfully Sim-Shipped the product across 47 SKUs with Office 9.

Project: Designed and implemented the complete software stack for force feedback joysticks and steering wheels. Collaboration: Partnered with Microsoft Windows, gaming hardware, and firmware-software teams. Responsibilities: Managed software development and integration, team mentoring, scheduling, conflict resolution, research, design, and development. Deliverables: Successfully delivered the full software stack, including drivers and applications, for the force feedback technology devices.

Software Engineer Project: Researched, designed, and developed a "Visual Computing System" for SimCity 3000. Collaboration: Worked closely with the art team and the research and advanced technology team. Mentorship: Guided software engineers in creating and utilizing reusable technology for VR games. Scope: Managed end-to-end software design and development for SimCity 3000.

Researched, designed, and developed hypertext functionality for Authorware v3.0. Implemented search-replace and spell check features, enhancing user experience. Designed and coded algorithms for both Windows and Mac OS platforms. Conducted comprehensive testing to ensure cross-platform functionality and reliability. Delivered fully developed features on time, contributing to the overall success of the software.

Researched, designed, and developed gaming and 3D rendering technology for the games Forgotten Castles, TopGun, and Falcon. Implemented a 2D/3D rendering engine and game engine for the virtual reality game Forgotten Castles. Researched, designed, and developed a real-time parametric sky-scape renderer for TopGun and Falcon, enhancing visual realism and immersion.

Pioneered the design, execution, and installation of an Interactive Multimedia Application & Content Authoring Lab in India on the PC platform. Managed programs and teams, providing training and mentorship to the content production team. Designed production processes, workflow, content creation, authoring, integration, and digital packaging of interactive multimedia content. Established a technology partnership with Siemens A.G., AP-35, Munich, Germany, to enhance technological capabilities and innovation.

Led technical project management of 3D-animation projects, handling all phases from quotation to broadcast delivery. Designed storyboards, developed polyhedral 3D models, and handled imaging, scripting, rendering, image processing, and compositing for broadcast-quality animations. Managed customer expectations from concept design through production and post-production, ensuring timely and successful project releases. Pioneered the introduction of Cubicomp CS-16/CS-24 platforms in India, advancing 3D animation capabilities. Produced broadcast video animations, managing client design requirements and authoring custom 2D/3D graphics code on-the-fly to meet project needs.

Executed end-to-end systems analysis, design, development, and on-site implementation, including client training and expectation management. Designed and developed enterprise-scale commerce systems, including financials, complex loans, payroll, inventory, costing, cost accounting, cost controls, production planning, and production control. Developed customized applications using COBOL, DBase IV, Lotus 1-2-3, and PLink 86, tailored to meet specific customer requirements.